File: 970903_oct1_0050.txt
Page: 0050
Total Pages: 106

NBC Defense

MCP,DAC on levels of protection afforded by chemical protective suits. with BriEisti and
OG84 suits fielded throughout front-line units, news of significantly reduced protection
times for the British MKIV (6 hours after contamination) in comparison to the OG84
(24 hours after contaraination) caused commanders to take a hard look at suit
employment concepts for G-day.

(S) The advantage to commanders for using OG84 came from its much longer
wear time and durability. its major disadvantages were its bulky packaging, weight,
and baggy sizing which tended to restrict body movement. The British MIQV had
advantages in reduced weight, tighter fit, and sigt@ficantly reduced packaging size.
Heat stress was not considered as major factor in suit selection for G-day. Commanders
were allowed to make their own trade-off selection on which suits to use for G-day.
Many Ist MARDIV units wore the MKIV suits through the breech, they had greater
experience and more corfidence with the MKIV than 2d MARDIV. The majority of units
in the 2d MARDIV chose to wear OG84's through the breech because of the greate-
protection and durability. Many chose the MIGV as a back-up suit for MOPP exchange
because it was logistically easier to transport. Both suits apparently perfon-ned well for
frontline infantry units. Armored vel-dcle crewman for the most par-, used OG84 for
protection. All rear area personnel were outfitted with OG84's. The strong message
that came from commanders on suits was; lighter, less bulky, and slfficiently protective
suits are needed for front-line maneuver elements. The message from NBC officers in
the MEF was that specific standard protection and serviceability criteria for protective
suits must be established and met through testing before a suit is allowed in the field.

(S) To compound suit quantity and performance problems, NBC officers were
having serious problems with unit tariff sizing. Llrdts were receiving too many XXL and
XS OG84's. British suits also had problems with sizing, -eportedly they wouldret fit
anyone over 5'9" and oniy came with a 39" chest size. throughout the war with tariff
sizing. Although many suits in units were unusable because of sizing problems, to
supply it looked as if ui-iits had plenty of protective suir@.

(S) In the tell areas of operation carrying MOPP gear everywhere'one went also
proved difficult. Most Marines carried their MOPP equipment in an alice pack or gyrn
beg. 3d MAW NBC officers managed to procure special camouflage bags designed
specifically for carrying MOPP equipment. For the MI